I recently moved from a two-story to a one story. (well, it's three, but the downstairs in my Father in Laws place and guest quarters, etec so I rarely go down the stairs and upstairs is incomplete.) Best thing that I ever did! laundry is on the same floor as all the bedrooms and I find keeping house MUCH easier.

Used to have a 3 story historic home - no bathroom on the main floor. Got so in the evenings that the final stair climb was slow and with tears running down my face. The single best outcome for improving my stamina has been the one level home. I don't waste energy or have to tolerate pain so I have a greater ability to participate in life and exercise in a way I enjoy that doesn't further damage my joints. I've found lots of small changes add up to a better quality of life.

I think a one story is best for many reasons not just lupus. As we get older stairs become a issue, so if you are able to change do it. Or if you are really attached to home and area, maybe a room can be made for you on main level if needed. The future is a fear for all of us. If you are able to change that fear go for it, one less thing to stress over.

I lived in two story as well and am now in a condo with elevator. You may want to look ahead as my ability to do things like stairs comes and goes. I spent a period of 1 year where we had to move my bedroom into living room because I couldn't do stairs and that was very isolating. Not saying this will happen to you but Lupus is a pernicious disease that has a tendency to find a spot and slowly degenerate it.

My opinion is based on no knowledge at all, so not worth much, either, but I think it's always good to plan ahead. It sounds like you're doing well, so you probably don't need to rush into anything, but it makes sense to think about transitioning to a one-story. We downsized a few years ago, and traded our two-story for a one-story. MUCH easier on the knees! 😄

I'm also (slowly) working on getting rid of a lot of stuff, because I don't want to have to deal with it, or burden other people with it, if/when I'm incapacitated. Plan for the worst, hope for the best. Much less stress that way.

I think you're very wise to be thinking about these things. *Hug*